Getting the Drive To Abort a Stuck Read Cycle

Question

Are there any better methods for advancing or stopping a drive stuck in a failed read cycle besides force quitting? Perhaps a 3rd party software? I have not had this cycle stop on its own and assume they don't?
DETAIL:
Every so often while in the middle of playing or importing a disc, usually with some scratches but sometimes nothing appearing serious, the Powerbook UJ-845E drive has trouble reading the disc: The read/import progress bar goes no further, the drive goes through a cycle sounding like [spin-up, shift, whirr, pause] apparently endlessly until I force quite iTunes, perhaps the finder and/or restart the computer.
Is there a time limit to how long the drive and computer continue the effort? Based on the shifting sound, I assume this cycle would wear out a drive sooner than a normal read. Consequently I don't leave some imports unattended. Is this a drive killer?
I would have expected the stop button or import progress stop button or even the eject button (with a note: "Import in Progress are you sure you want to eject") to stop the cycle but none of those events occur. I would expect the OS or iTunes to reach a point at which it gives up, or gives an option to continue, but I have never seen this.
These discs play on other consumer players both portable and component. Thus I have to record the one file to the computer off a portable CD player.
Usually I can import the rest of the files after the stuck one with iTunes. But I go through this seemingly tedious steps of force quitting itunes and repetitive hits of the eject button while force quitting the finder. I seek an alternative to that.
I have tried "Use error correction" found in the advance preference tab which did nothing for this situation. I have not found when that preference has been helpful??
Is there another way to stop the UJ-845E or advance it ahead,?
If not from the OS, perhaps 3rd party software?
When not in attendance, is there a way to force the computer to sleep or stop drive activity after a set time, say 1 hour?
Thanks

Answer 1

Unfortunately, not all USB printers are compatible with AirPort base stations. In addition, the AirPort's USB port does not support the "advanced" printer functions, like scanning, copying or faxing, of multi-function printers.
To see if your printer is compatible, take a look at this iFelix Unofficial AirPort Printer Compatibility link.
If your printer isn't listed, it doesn't necessarily mean it won't work, but simply that it has not been verified. iFelix also provides the following workaround for printers not on the list that would certainly be worth a try.
Also you can try this Apple Tech Support article to see if it will help:
o Printer troubleshooting for AirPort Base Stations and Time Capsule
Finally, check out this IBM support article to see if the printer you are interested in is listed as having a Postscript or PCL3 interface. If it does, then it will most likely work with the AirPort's USB port. Printers that use the "HP LIDIL" interface must be connected to a computer directly and will not work.